That which truly distinguishes one person from another is the force that is called character. Character is more important than achievement. Character affects thoughts decision, words, attitudes, goals, relationships, and actions. As people build character, the outcomes of their lives become more successful. Good character is characterized by the constant striving to make the right choice. A person with true character demonstrates qualities such as: honesty, reliability, diligence, respect and responsibility. In school, a student cooperates in a willing spirit with school regulations concerning attendance, property, and behavior.
Technology advances, information expands, and the world changes, but the building blocks for producing individuals of character do not change.
Character and Achievement
Achievement is the positive results of good character. The nature and quality of your character will determine the type of achievement that marks your life. Character is the causative force in a person’s decisions. Accomplishments are the effects of those decisions.
Having a beautiful and productive garden requires the selection, planting, and watering of good seeds; removal of unwanted weeds; and the continuing nourishment of the roots of the “good plants.” Therefore it is useless to motivate accomplishments without first and foremost encouraging good character.
Achievement should always come through praising the character of the individual that brought it about. Rather than telling a child “I am thrilled you got an ‘A’ on your math test”, it is more meaningful and fruitful to say “I am thrilled with your attentiveness and the diligent study habits you used to earn that ‘A.’ Achievement is the end result of the integrated efforts of everyone in a club, on a team or in a classroom. Achievement is based on skills, abilities, and opportunities, which differ from person to person. Character however is not based on skill or ability, nor is it limited by opportunity. Character qualities can and should be developed by everyone, regardless of age, training, or position.
Bench Notice
How Do I Build Character?
You Build Character By:
Identifying specific attributes that make you a person of character.
Focusing on one character quality at a time in order to understand its nature, importance, and benefits.
Recognizing when students demonstrate exemplary behavior and praising them for it.
Participating in service oriented activities. In short, you build character by doing.
